1,400 workers get free check-ups at mega medical camp

Dubai: More than 1,400 low-income workers received health check-ups at the ‘Mega Medical and Wellness Camp’ initiative held at the Dubai Investment Real Estate Labour Camp in Jebel Ali on Friday morning.

The event was organised by Aster Volunteers Programme in partnership with Model Service Society (MSS) on the occasion of World Health Day.

The camp aimed to identify and meet the health and wellness requirements of low-income workers who are often not able to access basic health care facilities, while struggling to make ends meet and provide for their families back home.

Dr Zeba Azad Moopen, director of Special Projects at Aster DM Healthcare, told Correspondent that the event aimed to spread awareness among workers about their physical and mental health, through check-ups, medications, and advice provided by more than 20 doctors and 25 paramedics from Aster.

The workers at the camp were screened by specialists from general medicine, orthopaedics, dentistry, ophthalmology, dermatology, pulmonology and gastroenterology. Post screening, individuals diagnosed with specific health conditions were recommended appropriate treatment path.

Dr Moopen explained that some of the most common complaints among workers were issues related to orthopaedics due to manual labour and heavy lifting, as well as vision difficulties.

During the event, workers were given free spectacles, and prescribed medications according to their needs, through Aster pharmacies.

“Doing an event like this, on such a large scale, brings a lot of awareness to the rest of the public who live comfortable lives that there is this strata of society that exists here and there is so much that we can do for them,” said Dr Moopen.

Inaugurating the camp was Vipul, Consul-General of India in Dubai, and Eisa Al Zarouni, manager of Inspection Department, Dubai, at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

“Now that insurance is compulsory in several emirates in the UAE, workers are getting health checks, but there are a lot of instances where the workers can be helped through these medical camps, as they require good advice and consultation from doctors — and we as the consulate are happy to be a part of the initiative,” said Vipul.

Meanwhile, Dr Azad Moopen, founder, chairman and managing director of Aster DH Healthcare, highlighted the event was an opportunity to invite more volunteers from the public to help out.

“Many of these workers have issues and don’t get the time or opportunity to see a doctor, and since they are all covered under insurance, we are now identifying those who require help beyond what is available here and asking them to come to our clinics so we can provide them with full coverage,” he said.

Dr Moopen also referred to the Aster Van, which travels to various labour accommodation clusters across the country conducting free heath check-ups for workers as a part of the programme.

Speaking to Correspondent, Arjun K., a worker at the accommodation, said he had been suffering from weak eyesight for more than a year but could not afford to take an eye test or buy glasses.

“This affects me in everything I do, and I am very happy today to get checked by a doctor and to hopefully get a pair of glasses,” he said.

Another worker, Raj M., said he had not had time to worry about his health as he was focused on working and sending money home to his wife and three children.

“Today I will take time to talk to the doctor and see if my health is in good shape. I am very thankful for this event,” he said.

In the spirit of the Year of Zayed, the full-day event offered workers the opportunity to participate in a number of entertainment activities, including live musical performances, and a lucky draw to win exciting and useful prizes.